Self-Propelled Snow Remover Automatic Implement Lift
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Solution Overview
Problem
Self-propelled snow removers with auger-type snow-removing implements face challenges in turning during snow removal operations due to accumulated snow interference, placing a significant burden on operators as they need to manually raise and lower the auger with machine power, which is inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelled snow remover equipped with travel units, a steering mechanism, a lift drive mechanism, and a control unit that automatically raises and lowers the snow-removing implement based on steering operations, allowing the implement to be raised during turns and lowered upon completion, reducing operator burden and enhancing turning efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the snow-removing implement is lowered near the road surface during snow removal operation, then snow removal efficiency is improved, but the ability to turn the snow remover is worsened due to snow interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the snow-removing implement height adjustable during operation. The control unit automatically raises the implement during turning operations and lowers it during snow removal, allowing the system to dynamically adapt its configuration based on operational requirements. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the implement to be in different positions for different functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit detects steering operations in advance and automatically raises the snow-removing implement before the turning operation completes, preventing snow interference proactively. This preliminary action ensures that when the turn is initiated, the implement is already in a position that avoids interference, thus maintaining both turning ability and snow removal efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If the operator manually raises and lowers the auger during turning operations, then turning ability is improved, but operator burden is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies self-service by using the control unit to automatically detect steering operations and trigger the lift drive mechanism to raise or lower the snow-removing implement without operator intervention. The machine serves itself by autonomously adjusting its configuration based on detected operational states, eliminating the need for manual auger adjustment and reducing operator burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously monitors steering operations and provides feedback to automatically control the lift drive mechanism. When steering input is detected, the system responds by raising the implement; when steering input ceases, it lowers the implement. This feedback loop eliminates manual intervention while maintaining optimal operational configuration.
3Ease of operation
If machine power is used to raise and lower the auger, then ease of operation is improved, but further reduction of operator burden is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit implements feedback by detecting steering operations and automatically controlling the lift drive mechanism accordingly. This automation goes beyond simple machine-powered adjustment by using sensor input to trigger appropriate actions, significantly reducing operator burden while maximizing automation level.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves self-service through automatic detection of steering operations and autonomous control of the snow-removing implement height. The machine independently manages its own configuration adjustments without operator intervention, representing a high level of automation that further reduces operator burden beyond basic machine-powered adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
A self-propelled snow remover has a machine body, travel units mounted on the machine body to undergo turning movement and linear movement, and at least one steering member mounted to the machine body and operable to turn the travel units. A snow-removing implement is mounted to the machine body to undergo lifting, lowering and rolling movements relative to the machine body. A lift drive mechanism lifts and lowers the snow-removing implement. A control unit controls the lift drive mechanism by issuing a lift drive instruction to the lift drive mechanism so as to automatically lift the snow-removing implement when a steering condition in which the steering member is turned is determined to be satisfied, and by issuing a lowering drive instruction to the lift drive mechanism so as to automatically lower the snow-removing implement when the steering condition is determined to be no longer satisfied.